Farmer stumbles across treasure

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A farmer accidentally found over 100 Dutch coins dating back to the 18th century while plowing his cornfield.

Kastam, 47, said initially he did not take much notice when his hoe hit a bright shiny metal object. But the second time he dug deeper and again hit more shiny coins.

Kastam then decided to carefully dig deeper and found a bowl filled with gold coins. He then took his Sunday morning discovery and reported it to the local museum and archeological officer.

Ngudi Utomo, an official from the local office of the Ministry of Education and Culture, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the coins were dated from between 1713 and 1745.

Ngudi said it was likely that more archeological artifacts could be buried in Kastam's cornfield.

It is unclear whether Kastam was rewarded for his find. (45)